Roommates

In 1963 Pittsburgh, Rocky Holzcek, a cantankerous Polish-American baker, adopts his young grandson Michael after Michael's parents die, despite relatives' protests. He proclaims that Family takes care of family, and the two begin sharing Rocky's apartment. They bond over cards and meals, laying the groundwork for a lifelong family pact.

Rocky's patient, meticulous way of arranging his hand in cards drives Michael crazy, yet their nightly games deepen their bond. The two stubbornly clash and reconcile, slowly turning their living space into a home. The apartment becomes a proving ground for family in all its stubborn forms.

Twenty years after the adoption, Michael is a medical intern in Columbus when Rocky is evicted from his apartment. Michael invites him to move in, beginning a new life chapter in a new city. The unexpected cohabitation tests and strengthens their relationship.

In a Columbus college history class, Rocky asserts that the S in Harry S Truman's name stood for something significant, challenging the professor's claim. The moment showcases his blunt, outspoken pride and love of a good fact. The scene reinforces the bond between grandfather and grandson.

Rocky gets along with Michael's Chinese college roommates and they continue their card games together. They bridge cultural gaps through humor and shared stories, expanding the sense of family in a new city. The porch, table, and cards become the center of their makeshift family.

Michael marries Beth and the couple moves to Pittsburgh, where Michael begins his medical residency while Rocky keeps baking. The family unit shifts back to Rocky's hometown as a new generation joins the fold. Beth's warmth helps soften Rocky's crusty exterior toward the new daughter-in-law.

An illness knocks Rocky down and he moves back to Pittsburgh to live with Michael and Beth. The reunion reestablishes the family rhythm and the old man's presence anchors the household. Rocky gradually warms to Beth and the family dynamic.

Seven years pass and Rocky remains a fixture in Michael and Beth's life, now with two children. Michael's medical career flourishes while Rocky continues baking and telling stories at the kitchen table. The family dynamics have matured into a resilient, blended unit.

Beth dies in an automobile accident, leaving Michael and the grandchildren grieving deeply. Rocky steps in with quiet strength, reinforcing the family motto that they will take care of each other. The loss tests the family's resolve but also deepens their bond.

Beth's mother wants to take the children, and Michael initially agrees. Rocky reminds him of their family creed and urges him to fight for the kids' future. The confrontation culminates in a vow to keep the siblings together.

Inspired by Rocky's steadfast motto, Michael declares that there is no option to surrender the children. He and Rocky stand firm, solidifying their obligation to care for the next generation. Beth's mother backs off as the family stays united.

Rocky lies in a hospital room while Michael and the kids visit to celebrate his 107th birthday. Michael searches for a hopeful sign, attempting to keep the mood light for Rocky's sake. He even draws a link to a potential new job that echoes Rocky's past life.

While in the hospital, Michael reads a newspaper ad for a Chinese bakery and jokes about Rocky returning to his old craft. The memory of college friends and card games surfaces as a quiet thread of possibility. Rocky smiles, but the moment is tempered by the looming end.

Rocky gathers his strength for one last moment and then peacefully passes away in the hospital. Michael and the kids bid him farewell and finally acknowledge that he has provided all the care he could. The family finds a quiet triumph in his legacy of love and duty.